Can someone please tell me everything there is to know about the shadowbox effect on layouts?
I am not all that familiar with what you are describing. But just applying a little logic and a few things I have seen here and there I will tell you what I think.
I do know that a shadow box is a box meant to display an object like its in a picture frame. I also know that some modular clubs I have seen have their modules build in a box with self contained lighting and electicals with each scene. This also assists in transporting the modules as they are easily stacked, and it keeps the public from getting to close because of their closed off front.
I would imagine to use this effect on your layout you would haveto do the follwoing in terms of planning.
Decide what scenes you want to depict on your layout. Decide on a set of construction standards so you have uniform looking diarama boxes. as well as a set of module standards so if you ever move you can change things around to suite the new space. Decide on how you are going to transisition from scene to scene, So things don’t look out of place when two modules a re set next to each other. Decide on what lighting your going to want because it has to be installed during module construction. You will have do settle on back drops for each things because thats the first thing to go into the box during the modeling stage of construction. and lastly. if you are going to use DCC or DC control because that determins how much wiring your going to have to do.
Just things that I know and have observed. Hope this helps.
James
There was a layout featured in MR about a year or so ago, if memory serves me right built like you discribed. There were windows you looked through so you only saw parts of it at a time.Ken
Check out the current (December) RMC. It has exactly what you’re looking for on page 73.
that’s right , except there is no need for it to be modular in any way . a shadowbox is a scene in a frame , the desired effect is to focus the viewers attention only on the scene and not on any other part of the room . on model railroads this is mostly done using fascia and valences … the bottom and top of the frame . sometimes sides will be used as well but this can look too obvious . i’m going to have to check out the dec. RMC to see their example
Thanks everyone for the great answers.
I believe it was Joe Fugate who had some excellent pictures of just
what you are talking about. The photos showed how the layout seemed
to be the only thing in the room… it was really well done. Dave
“Everything there is to know” would require more room than what is here.
Here is a really good picture. Maybe this picture by Joe Fugate is the one you are talking about?
This is also a very good picture, from the Utah Colorado Western site by Lee Nicholas.
Take a look at http://www.ucwrr.com for some interesting reading.
Now I understand why the fascia and valences must be painted black. The whole idea with a shadowbox is to set the focus to the layout. The contrast between the black painted fascia/valences and the (white) lighting must be the biggest contrast you can get. Suddenly it seems so obvious. I really think this is the way to go to make a layout look good.
The 9/01MRR with the Feather River pic on the cover has some great pics of this idea. I think they look nice but are more work for what they are worth in my opinion. Maybe when I am closer to finished it will be a nice addition.